John Sykes, the trailblazing guitarist who defined eras in heavy rock with bands like Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder, and Tygers of Pan Tang, has passed away at 65 after a battle with cancer.
Sykes was a complete force of nature. From the blistering riffs on Whitesnake’s 1987 to his contributions to Thin Lizzy’s Thunder and Lightning, Sykes moulded the sounds of a generation.
Announcing his death, a statement on Sykes’ social media reflected his legacy. “He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent, but for those who knew him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
Sykes was perhaps best known for his work with Whitesnake, where he co-wrote the megahits Still of the Night and Is This Love. But behind the album’s massive success lay turmoil—Sykes was ousted from the band before it even hit the shelves. His fallout with David Coverdale became rock lore, a bitter chapter in a career filled with highs and lows.
Beyond Whitesnake, Sykes left his mark with Thin Lizzy during the band’s final studio run. He contibuted unforgettable licks on Thunder and Lightning. He also later founded Blue Murder, a short-lived but beloved project that melded virtuosity with raw power.
Sykes’ solo career was sporadic but no less impactful. Tracks like Out Alive hinted at his ability to stay relevant while staying true to his roots. Despite stepping back from the limelight in later years, he remained an icon to guitarists and fans alike.
Rock music has lost one of its titans, a player who lived and breathed the genre’s rebellious spirit. John Sykes was more than a guitarist—he was a literal storyteller, innovator, and true underdog. His influence lives on in every crunching riff and soaring solo that defines rock today.
Rest in power, John. The world will be that little bit quieter without your thunder in it.
MORE IN Music
